Applying to Medicine in 2023

Between a complex, multi-faceted application and daunting competition rates, applying to Medicine is becoming increasingly challenging. However, here at Medic Mind, we are committed to providing accessible, in-depth guidance to help you achieve your higher education goals! Explored below are the basic components of a medical school application. Additionally, with our FREE course, we hope to make these applications even more accessible to students from a variety of backgrounds. 

As previously mentioned, applying to Medicine requires a holistic approach. Ultimately, there are 3 main hurdles that stand between you and the medical school of your dreams. 

Entrance Exams

Undergraduate entry to Medical Schools in the UK are reliant on either the UCAT, or the BMAT. These standardised exams are used to distinguish between academically accomplished applicants from a variety of educational backgrounds.

The University Clinical Aptitude Test, or UCAT, is a 2-hour computer based exam testing various non-academic aptitude skills across 5 sections, as listed below.

• Verbal Reasoning (VR): tests comprehension and linguistic analytics
• Quantitative Reasoning (QR): tests arithmetic abilities
• Decision Making (DM): tests data interpretation
• Abstract Reasoning (AR): tests visuo-spatial and non-verbal reasoning 
• Situational Judgement Test (SJT): tests various soft-skills expected of healthcare professionals

Each of the first 4 sections of the UCAT are scored out of 900, lending a total score out of 3600. The SJT is graded differently, with the highest scorers awarded Band 1 whilst the lowest scorers fall within Band 4. 

Very few medical schools have a strict cut-off for UCAT scores. However, it is worth considering the average scores accepted by your dream universities. 

The Biomedical Admissions Test, or BMAT, is an academic exam testing a candidate’s scientific and mathematical abilities through a range of questions focussed on problem-solving and critical thinking. The BMAT is also a 2-hour computer based exam, divided into the 3 following sections. 

• Section 1: tests problem solving and data analysis and inference.
• Section 2: tests basic scientific and mathematical knowledge
• Section 3: tests written communication skills 

The BMAT is employed far less than the UCAT, with only 8 UK medical schools using it as part of their admissions criteria. As aforementioned, these schools typically do not have cut-off scores but do have an average range that tend to be successfully invited to interview for their Medicine programme. 

The Medic Mind ‘Applying to Medicine in 2023’ course offers a range of in-depth tutorials and mocks that can be accessed at no cost to help prepare for these exams. We wholeheartedly believe that Medicine in the UK should be widely accessible to all those who are committed to it and hence, provide insider tips and techniques from those who have themselves scored highly in the UCAT and BMAT, as part of the course. 

Personal Statements

UK university applications typically require a 4000 character essay prior to applying to any course. This remains the same for Medicine. Often, students find this to be the most daunting aspect of the application process. 

However, with our personal statement guides, you will be well on your way to constructing the perfect statement to help clinch your spot at Medical School. Notably, medical personal statements should explore the following aspects of your portfolio in detail.

• Work Experience
• Volunteering 
• Leadership roles
• Commitment to Medicine 
• Extra-curriculars

The most important aspect of a medical personal statement, however, is the reflection. One’s ability to self-reflect is highly appraised by medical school admissions officers. Our free and easily accessible guides explore the various ways in which to adequately reflect in a succinct yet confident manner. 

Interviews

Interviews are the last-step prior to gaining entry into Medical School. Broadly, there are 2 formats of interviews employed by UK medical schools – multiple mini interviews (MMIs) or panel interviews. 

MMIs are more commonly used by local medical schools and require a great detail of preparation. These interviews typically test a range of skills, from ethical problem-solving to dexterity. On the other hand, panel interviews tend to err on the more personal side, typically delving into the candidate’s personal statement and portfolio. This interview style, though, does not come without its own challenges. Consequently, our Medicine Interview experts have compiled a series of free tutorials, samples questions and mock interviews to help you perfect your Medicine interview strategies. 

If you would like to glean more information regarding our courses, speak to one of our Medicine Application Experts.

Good luck with your applications and we hope to welcome you to the NHS soon!